Rally Finland is a unique race for World Rally Championship drivers as this legendary event must be taken on like no other. The very fast and very specific gravel stages have given the rally a world-renowned reputation: only powerful and efficent machines have any chance of taking the honours.

Such characteristics had Petter Solberg looking for an alternative to his current privateer Citroen Xsara - a still very capable car despite being several years old, but one that cannot compete directly with the modern cars at the disposal of the other WRC drivers.

Over the last few weeks the Norwegian has tested several potential replacements for the current Petter Solberg World Rally Team car, looking at Mitsubishi and Subaru models in addition to a recent drive aboard a Peugeot. Skoda had also been listed as a possibility.

However, at the conclusion of his various test sessions, Solberg has come to the conclusion that holding on to his Xsara WRC a little while longer is the best option.

"We will start in Finland with our Citroen," he confirmed. "We have tested some cars now, and it turns out that it is this old Xsara that works best for us."

"Now we just have to do whatever is possible to get some power out of it before Finland," Solberg added.

The ninth round of the WRC season takes place from July 31st to August 2nd.